What are consensus protocols in crypto fintechzoom?
In the realm of crypto fintech, consensus protocols play a pivotal role in ensuring the integrity and security of decentralized networks. Could you elaborate on what consensus protocols are, their significance, and how they contribute to the overall functionality of blockchain-based systems? Specifically, I'm interested in understanding the various types of consensus mechanisms, such as Proof of Work, Proof of Stake, and Delegated Proof of Stake, and how they differ in terms of efficiency, scalability, and security. Additionally, I'd like to know about the challenges associated with consensus protocols and how they are being addressed in the evolving crypto landscape.